Until May 18th, the world celebrates the United Nations Global Road Safety Week. An initiative that seeks to mobilize communities to demand the creation of safer streets.
This year, the slogan – “Streets for Life, Making Cycling Safe” – highlights the urgency for those responsible for road control and maintenance.
As well as political leaders, to implement effective measures to address a problem that transcends goals and becomes a vital necessity. Given the alarming number of deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents each year.
According to data from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), road traffic injuries are one of the leading causes of death and disability globally. With almost 1.2 million deaths and up to 50 million injuries annually. This phenomenon is the leading cause of death in young people aged 5 to 29 years worldwide.
In Cuba, the accident rate showed a downward trend in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2024.
However, there is an increase in the number of fatalities, especially in March. As recently stated by the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila.
Although some indicators have improved, such as the reduction in the number of accidents (-87) and injuries (-2) up to January 2025. The increase in fatalities is still worrying, especially when collective means of transportation are involved.
The minister also highlighted that pedestrian hit-and-run is one of the most dangerous accidents. With an average of two hit-and-runs per day in the country. Resulting in one death every six people. These accidents usually occur in areas with high population density, such as Havana, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba.
Alarmingly, 80% of these accidents took place in rural areas, with several accidents in the municipalities of Baguanos, Mayari and Moa in Holguin, to cite just a few recent examples.
Among the factors contributing to this problem are driver recklessness, including speeding, drunk driving, use of mobile devices while driving, and lack of courtesy. In addition, the poor conditions of many roads aggravate the situation.
Another relevant aspect are accidents involving motorcycles and mopeds with an increasing number on the streets. Also as they represent a worrying 47.2% of total accidents and 35% of deaths and injuries.
Although there is a legal framework in Cuba that regulates traffic regulations through Law 109 of the Road Safety Code, important challenges persist related to the deterioration of road infrastructure and insufficient implementation of preventive measures. Also, stricter controls on the roads are still few. Given the repeated occurrence of accidents that mourn so many families.
Despite the efforts made, it is clear that a comprehensive and more effective approach is required. Combining road rehabilitation with concrete actions and other educational actions on road safety from an early age.
Accident reduction is an objective that demands commitment and collaboration from everyone. Contributing to its reduction continues to be a challenge in order to preserve life in society.
By: Leannis Berbén Leyva
Translated by Aliani Rojas Fernández
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